The Father of Her Son

“I am more than capable of caring for my son and myself.”

He had to smile at her Irish ire. “Don’t I know it! But, hear me out. Please believe me when I say that you can rely on me. I want nothing more than to be a steel-vaulted, sealed-at-the-lips trusted friend.” He leaned closer. “Everyone needs a friend, Kelly. I am here for you.”

She managed a smile. “Okay, then. Thank you, Evan.”

He squeezed her hand, enjoying the soft silk of her skin. “So, how can I help you?”

“Michael insists on meeting Matt. It’s time. When I tell Matt about Michael and his grandparents in Ireland, he’s going to have so many questions. I’m not sure how to handle them.”

Evan hadn’t released her hand, and she hadn’t pulled away. He liked that. He curled his fingers through hers. He liked the warmth of her hand in his, the delicate yet capable fingers heating beneath the press of his own.

“You will answer his questions with the same bravery and truth you’ve used as a single parent to get you both this far.”

“Matt thinks his only family was Herby George.”

He waited until she lifted her green eyes to meet his. “You can be honest with him. Tell him your parents are difficult, sometimes unkind. And that you two lived your quiet life surrounded with people who supported you.”

She slowly nodded. “I see your point.”

He watched her closely as he delivered his next thought. “What about Matt’s father? Is there family around who could complicate matters?”

Evan didn’t miss the internal flinch Kelly immediately suppressed before she pulled her hand from his, which sent his radar pinging, all over again. When she didn’t respond, he added. “Is your brother receptive to meeting Matt?”

Here, her smile became genuine. “He nearly horsewhipped me for keeping Matt secret from him. He’s demanding I do penance for my sin of omission.” She laughed out loud. “They will get along famously.”

She inhaled a deep breath. “So, should Matt speak any of this to you, I trust you will handle your response with the same wisdom you just shared with me?”

“It depends, my friend.”

“On what?”

“Dinner. Tomorrow night. You can’t say no.”

“That sounds suspiciously like a date.”

He shook his head. “Not at all. If I ask another woman, she’ll think I have designs on her. I don’t have time for dating. You and I already set our friendship on solid footing. I know I’m safe with you.”